“Yeah?” I turned around, taking in the view of her in bed without me.
“Please stay,” she said softly. The begging quality of her voice was doing me in, and I knew even though it would be hell lying next to her without touching her, I couldn’t say no.
I shut her bedroom door, closing us in together, and then I slipped my shoes off. Climbing into bed with her, I pulled back the blanket and slid in next to her warm body. She moved against me, and I clenched my eyes closed, enjoying the feel of having her so close.
Her fingers tangled in the collar of my shirt, and she worked her face between my shoulder and my chin, her sweet breath rushing over my neck with every breath she took.
It was hell.
It was heaven.
“Good night,” she muttered against my skin, sending my body into overdrive.
“Good night,” I responded.
Swallowing hard, I lay there and stare at the ceiling until I heard her softly begin to snore. She wanted me to stay, but I couldn’t. It was torture on my body knowing she was there, willing and ready. I wouldn’t sleep … not with her curves pressed so tightly to every part of my body.
As soon as she drifted into a deep sleep, I slipped from her bed, put on my shoes, and crept from her room. I was halfway through the apartment, getting close to the door when a light flicked on in the kitchen.
I turned quickly to find Devin standing in the kitchen staring back at me.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Matthew?” he asked, his accusing eyes trailing over me.
“You want the truth or the lie?”
“Fuck you. You know I want the truth. Are you fucking with Shannon now? Because I don’t think Lilly would like that too much, and anything that makes Lilly unhappy makes me unhappy.”
I nodded. “This is different,” I said, hoping that was enough of an explanation for him.
“It’s never different with you.”
He moved out of the kitchen, coming to stand toe to toe with me. His eyes moved over my face, and his tense jaw went slack.
“Holy shit,” he muttered to himself.
“What?” I asked defensively.
He chuckled and shook his head.
“This is exactly what you get, motherfucker.”
Again, he laughed.
“What the fuck are you talking about, man?”
“You’ll see. I don’t need to kick your ass. Being in love is like a punch to the gut. You’re already fucked, and you don’t even know it.”
At that, he chuckled once more before he turned away and started down the hallway.
“Lock up on your way out and good luck.”
And then he was gone. In the distance, I heard the soft click of a bedroom door and then the apartment was silent.
I locked the door and went to my car.
I’d come a long way, that was for sure. I had left a willing woman in her bed alone. That had to be a sign I was truly losing my shit.
My house was empty and dark, and I didn’t bother turning on any lights as I went to my room and peeled my clothes from my body. Just as I was climbing into bed, my phone buzzed. Thinking it was Shannon, I snatched my phone from the side table and swiped my thumb across the screen to open my messages.
Corrine: Up for a late-night fuck?
I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I closed my messages, set my phone back next to the side of the bed, and went to sleep.
SIXTEEN
SHANNON
A MACK TRUCK. THAT WAS WHAT HAD HIT ME THE NIGHT BEFORE.
It was the only logical reason for me to be aching all over. At some point during the night, I’d been run over and then backed over. My entire body was sore, and my head pounded so badly that even turning over nearly did me in.
My memory was skewed. I remembered Matthew being there and us going out to the bar, but I had no idea how I got home or if anything happened between us.
Sitting up in bed, I moaned when my skull rang with what felt like a hit from a sledgehammer. I rubbed my temples and fell back against my pillow. Nausea roiled around my stomach and made me gag.
I was in hangover hell.
It was a bad place.
I never wanted to go there again.
Rolling onto my side, I see a tiny piece of paper with my name scribbled across the top on my bedside table. I snatched the paper from the table and read it.
You’re adorable when you sleep. Also, you snore.
I covered my face with my hands, smiling against my palms. Swiping my phone, I sent him a quick text.
Me: Lies. I don’t snore. I sleep like an angel.
A few minutes passed before he texted back.
Matthew: True. You do sleep like an angel. An angel who snores.
Matthew: How’s the hangover?
Me: Very hangover-y
Matthew: Lol. Bite the dog. It’s the only way.
Me: If I even think about alcohol, I’ll get sick.
Me: I’m sorry if I did anything inappropriate last night.
Matthew: No worries. I like you inappropriate. ;)
I chuckled.
Matthew: You owe me, though. When can I collect?
Me: I owe you? What do I owe you?
Matthew: I went home with a nasty set of blue balls after you groped me all night. Thankfully, I’m a nice guy and didn’t take advantage.
Me: Aw, I’m sorry. Thank you for being a nice guy.
Matthew: You’re welcome. You can pay me back later by having dinner with me?
I smiled. I wanted nothing more than to see him again. I loved being around him.
Me: What time?
Matthew: I’ll pick you up at 6.
Me: Ok. See you then.
Matthew: Think about me today.
I giggled, making my head hurt worse.
Me: I will. You think about me, too.
Matthew: I always think about you.
I set my phone down and covered my face yet again.
What was I getting myself into with him?
AFTER I HAD DOWNED THREE IBUPROFEN, I started to feel human again.
I managed to shower and get to work, which I didn’t think would be possible. I vowed never to drink the night before work again.
When I walked into Franklin’s, Lilly’s eyes went wide.
“You look like death. Are you okay?”
I nodded, dragging myself across the room and behind the jewelry counter.
“Are you sure? I’m not being rude, but I’ve never seen you like this. Did something happen?”
“Yes. Tequila and a few others happened.” I tossed my purse under the counter and flopped down onto the stool.
She giggled. “Oh, you have a hangover? That sucks.”
“Very much so.”
Lilly was in good spirits again, considering what she had gone through recently. I was glad to see her getting back out there and coming back to work. I just hoped she was ready.
The good news was she had Devin. I was starting to see the appeal behind him. He was a nice guy, and he treated Lilly like a priceless item. Not only that, I was starting to understand how she could enjoy his hands all over her. I could understand the bed squeaking down the hallway, and the sounds of pleasure spilling from the room.